Lee Hammond, Jr.

Lee Ross Hammond, Jr., 85, of Clovis, died Friday, January 28, 2005, at Laurel Ridge Healthcare in Clovis. He was born in Clovis June 10, 1919, to Lee and Grace Hammond.brbrHe was raised on the Lee Hammond ranch in Curry County, New Mexico. He attended school at Field and graduated from Clovis High School. He went to Washington Lee University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of New Mexico and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.brbrHe ranched and farmed with his father and brother on their ranch which was established in 1915. They raised commercial cattle and wheat. Mr. Hammond also built an outstanding herd of Quarter Horses. He raised horses that competed in halter classes, performance classes and racing. He raised excellent ranch horses. Mr. Hammond particularly enjoyed riding cutting horses.brbrSurvivors include his wife, Darlene; four daughters, Martha Richardson and Leigh Willmon of Clovis, Linda Turner of Borger, and Kim Mariano of San Angelo; sons-in-law Mike Willmon, E. W. Turner and Lakan Mariano; grandchildren Katie Francis, Colby Turner, Ryon, Jory, Kiley Kelsey Richardson, Clayton Barber, Reagan Jackson, Micah, Joshua Rachel Mariano and 11 great grandchildren.brbrMemorials may be sent to the American Quarter Horse Foundation Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, Texas 79168.brbrOpen Graveside services will be held 3:00 pm Monday, January 31, 2005 at Lawn HavenbrMemorial Gardens, Clovis, New Mexico.brbrMemorial service will be held 4:00 pm Monday, January 31, 2005 at First Church ofthe Nazarene, Clovis, New Mexico. Rev. Lakan Mariano will officiate.brbrArrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home.br